Psalms 14:1-7 (NLT)
1 For the choir director: A psalm of David. Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!
4 Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to the LORD.
5 Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the LORD will protect his people.
7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the LORD restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
At the core of evil thoughts and actions that wreak havoc on lives is a lack of belief in God. It’s easy to claim a belief in Him, but it’s not possible to truly do so and not tremble in fear before Him. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, for there to be actions taken that are contrary to the will of the Holy and Righteous Lord, He must be thought to be elsewhere. If they had only really known how they were forcing God to be just and right in a way that would not be favorable to them and all of humanity, they surely would have abstained. To question if God really said something is to not believe in Him and enable devastating choices.
While there is endless grace that will return the repentant heart to right standing, there is also a grace that will purify from choosing actions of unbelief/evil. The forgiveness of past failures is ineffective if it doesn’t bring a belief in God that turns off all acceptance of things that would displease Him. It’s not so much about being in fear of condemnation and punishment. It’s about believing in a God that is without compromising in Holiness but also rich in mercy. True belief will not produce repelling fear of attempting to escape from His presence, but compelling fear from a knowing that the only safe place is near His side where grace purifies from all wickedness. This is what Jesus gave His life for – tu enable a holiness rendering heart in a life that can know continual awareness of God in uncompromising belief.